Client with kidney failure

[dot]

I got a call tonight from a young man asking for a massage. When I asked if he was referred to me, he said that his doctor suggested he get a massage.

So I asked if he had any medical issues. To be honest, I don't really remember the first two things he said, but the third was that he was in kidney failure. He wasn't offering more information.

Then I asked why he was in kidney failure. Evidently he is rejecting a transplanted kidney.

I had only a couple of minutes to talk with him before my next client was due to arrive, and so I made an appt. to see him next Monday, but I told him I wanted to speak with his primary care (a nephrologist) to discuss his health status first. He was agreeable and gave me his name and location (I will have to look up his number).

My pathology book indicates that massage is contraindicated systemically in any seforum.xxxe of renal failure, and medical clearance must be received before receiving massage. Since his doctor suggested he get a massage, I am guessing the doctor doesn't realize the risks of having a massage with this condition.

How should I handle this?

 

[xxandyxxpandyxx]

renal failure

It depends on why the doctor thinks massage is a good idea. Massage is definitely contraindicated in most cases like this. If you have been trained in hospice care and massge techniques, then talk to his Nephrologist. Otherwise, send him straight to someone with hospice skills. Hospice massage training emphasizes that you aren't trying to fix anything. That you're there to help the patient be comfortable. The touch is extremely light, and more for emotional ease than anything else. Under these conditions, with that level of training, and the Nephrologist's ok, I'd consider it. Other than that, don't do it.

As for what to tell the patient. Let him know that any of the standard massage techniques could make him head downhill very quickly, and that you are simply not qualified to do what he needs. Tell his doctor the same thing.